Transcript Document

Ethical Issues
Seminar 8
Stem Cells
Cells that have the ability to renew
themselves
Replicate exact copies indefinitely
Adult
Embryonic
Questions
Should stem cell research be federally
funded?
 Why or why not?

Questions
Should stem cell research be federally
funded?
 Why or why not?

What are your thoughts on stem cell
research?
 Do you feel it is a good thing or bad
thing?

Questions

Do the potential benefits of the research
outweigh the fact that they are using
human fetuses?
Questions

Do the potential benefits of the research
outweigh the fact that they are using
human fetuses?

Do you feel parents of aborted fetuses
should have a say in whether the remains
are used for embryonic stem cell
research?
Questions

Should parents of the aborted fetuses
have to sign a waiver giving permission
for the remains to be used for embryonic
stem cell research?
Ethics Committee
Case 1

Mary is 28 years old and has cerebral palsy.
She is able to get around somewhat in her
motorized wheelchair. An aide feeds and
bathes her and helps clean the apartment.
Lately Mary has become weary with her life.
She sees no improvement in her condition and
wants to die. She is on pain medication and
has recently asked for several months worth of
pain medication. Her doctor is concerned that
Mary might be suicidal.
Case 1

Should Mary’s doctor continue giving her
the pain medication?
Case 1

Should Mary’s doctor continue giving her
the pain medication?

Would the doctor be assisting in Mary’s
suicide if he continued providing her pain
medication and she overdoses?
Case 1

Should Mary’s doctor continue giving her
the pain medication?

Would the doctor be assisting in Mary’s
suicide if he continued providing her pain
medication and she overdoses?

Does Mary have a right to end her life if
she chooses?
Case 2

A mother is taking her son to the pediatrician
because he is complaining of flu symptoms.
During the exam the doctor notices some very
distinct bruises covering the child’s back.
When asked, the mother explains that they are
from “cao gio” or coining. This alternative
practice is to make all of the bad blood leave
the body and improve circulation and healing.
The pediatrician debates whether or not to
report the mother for child abuse.
Case 2

Are alternative therapies and treatments
ethical?
Case 2

Are alternative therapies and treatments
ethical?

When should a physician or medical
provider step in to stop a cultural
practice?
Case 2

Are alternative therapies and treatments
ethical?

When should a physician or medical
provider step in to stop a cultural
practice?

Do you think the physician should report
the mother to CPS?
Case 3

Stacy is a 22-year-old single woman. She
goes to the pharmacy to have a
prescription for a “morning after” pill
filled. While waiting for her prescription,
she is informed that the pharmacist will
not fill the prescription because of his
moral views and beliefs. Stacy is furious
and demands that her prescription be
filled, since it is her right and her body.
Case 3

Should the pharmacist fill Stacy’s
prescription? Why or why not?
Case 3

Should the pharmacist fill Stacy’s
prescription? Why or why not?

Is it right for the pharmacist to impose he
own values and beliefs in Stacy and other
patients? Why or why not?
Questions